forbid

Forbid is a verb meaning to order someone not to do something or to prohibit by authority. It denotes an explicit prohibition imposed by an individual, group, or institution. Common constructions include "to forbid someone from doing something" and "to forbid someone to do something." The adjective form "forbidden" describes what is not allowed, as in "Access is forbidden." The noun "forbiddance" is rare but valid.

Etymology: The word comes from Old English forbodian, from Germanic roots, and is related to cognate terms in other Germanic languages. The sense of prohibiting action has remained stable in English over centuries.

Usage: Forbid often implies formal or authoritative prohibition and can carry a slightly older or more solemn tone than "ban" or "prohibit." In legal or regulatory language, "prohibit" is more common, but "forbid" remains widely understood in everyday speech. Grammar typically allows "forbid someone from doing something" or "forbid someone to do something."

Examples: The city forbids dumping waste in rivers. A parent may forbid children from leaving the room without permission. The word "forbidden" appears in phrases such as "forbidden fruit" or "access is forbidden." See also: ban, prohibit, forbiddance, forbidden.